Residential Building Around the Capital Region | December 2024
BUILDING
Builders and remodelers in the
In addition to deep inventor y,
• catering to professional contrac tors
• Comprehensive showroom for your customers to selec t materials
• Rooftop deliver y
• Job signs
• Mar vin® window and doors
• Andersen® windows Diamond Circle of Excellence dealer
• Custom-sized high- qualit y vinyl windows
• residential blueprints
• Pick up of returns from your job site
RESIDENTIAL BUILDING
AROUND THE CAPITAL REGION
2024 Executive Board
Nick Otterbeck, Otterbeck Builders PRESIDENT
Christine Raible, Best Tile VICE PRESIDENT
Frank Barbera, Barbera Homes SECRETARY
Steven Stiansen, TPL Flooring TREASURER
Andrew Gutman, Bennett Contracting IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Erik Kohler, Erik Kohler Homes DIRECTOR AT-LARGE
Board of Directors
Peter Amedore, Amedore Homes
Lindsey Belmonte, Belmonte Builders
Brooke Weinert, Schrader & Company 5
Gregg Biché, Quality Design & Remodel
Jim Carpenter, Curtis Lumber
Joe Decker, Pella by Crawford
Greg Galla, Teal, Becker & Chiaramonte, CPAs
Amy Paigo, Teakwood Builders
Paul Pipino, Pipino Builders
Jerry Saliba, C & J Custom Builders
Karen Redick, Redbud Development
Advertisers
Bellevue Builders Supply
Builders Installed Products
Curtis Lumber
Erie Materials
Siewert Equipment
Please note: Editorial and contents of this magazine reflect the records of the Capital Region Builders & Remodelers Association. CRBRA staff has done their best to provide useful and accurate information, but please take into account that some information does change. Camelot Print & Copy Centers, publishers and CRBRA take no responsibility for the accuracy of the information printed, inadvertent omissions, printing errors, nor do they endorse products and services. CRBRA takes no responsibility regarding representations or warranties concerning the content of advertisements of products/services for a particular use, including all information, graphics, copyrighted materials, and assertions included in said advertisements. The reader is advised to independently check all information before basing decisions on such information.
A MESSAGE FROM 2024 PRESIDENT NICK OTTERBECK
As I sit down to reflect on this past year, I’m amazed by how quickly it has flown by. When you’re deeply involved, time seems to move at lightning speed, and it’s only when you pause to look back that you realize just how much has been accomplished. As I reflect on 2024, I’m incredibly proud of everything our association has achieved together.
A highlight of the spring was CRBRA’s Lobby Day at the state Capitol. We had a strong presence at Lobby Day where we engaged with legislators to advocate for our top three priorities: all-electric building codes and project grandfathering, insurance reform, and State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) reform. Through thoughtful conversations and in-depth discussions, our delegation made meaningful progress, even securing Assemblywoman Woerner to sponsor the bill for grandfathering projects impacted by all-electrification. If you’ve never participated in Lobby Day, I strongly encourage you to attend in spring 2025. You’ll learn so much and will leave feeling like you’ve made a productive difference for the industry.
“Through thoughtful conversations and in-depth discussions, our delegation made meaningful progress, even securing Assemblywoman Woerner to sponsor the bill for grandfathering projects impacted by all-electrification.”
Of course, advocacy is just one of the many valuable aspects of belonging to CRBRA. This year was also filled with signature events that brought us together to network, celebrate, and strengthen our bonds. From the Parade of Homes and the Best in Building Awards to our Saratoga Track Day, golf outings, clay shoots, and our year-end holiday party, these events wouldn’t have been possible without the participation and support of our members. These events not only brought us together but also welcomed new members into the fold.
We also placed a strong focus on education this year, offering professional development sessions to help our members sharpen their skills and grow their businesses. Additionally, we reignited our Remodelers Council, bringing builders and remodelers together to discuss business challenges and opportunities.
Beyond our internal programs, we also continued our commitment to future generations by supporting the newly established Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition (NCTWC) as a gold level sponsor. I saw many of you throughout the year supporting their tremendous efforts whether it be by attending their events or participating in the hands-on classroom presentations. Personally, I helped elementary school students build 400 toolboxes this year. It’s been extremely gratifying to help plant seeds of interest in the building trades, seeing the kids light up at their own abilities. When you see opportunities to participate with NCTWC in 2025, I hope you’ll share your expertise.
As my time as President comes to a close, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our 2024 Board of Directors. Their dedication, insights and hard work have been invaluable in making this year a success. Together, we tackled challenges, embraced opportunities, and made meaningful strides for both our members and our industry. I’ve learned so much through this experience — not only in my professional career but also in my personal growth — and I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to have served in this role.
I’m confident that CRBRA is in excellent hands with our incoming President, Christine Raible. Christine’s vision and passion for our industry will undoubtedly drive us forward, and I’m eager to see the incredible things she will accomplish with your support. Thank you all for an incredible year. It has been an honor to serve as your President, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside you as we build a stronger future together.
FROM THE EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S DESK KRISTEN EGELSTON
As we say goodbye to 2024, I’m proud of what we were able to accomplish with the support of our members, sponsors, committee volunteers, and Board of Directors. From hosting a variety of networking and educational events to leading grassroots efforts on legislative and regulatory issues that impact the industry, and of course our cornerstone events, the Capital Region Parade of Homes and Best in Building Awards, we’ve remained true to our mission of providing leadership, education and motivation for the prosperity of our members. I also want to share two lesser known highlights that stand out for me this year.
• CRBRA HQ – The association’s building, located at 10 Old Plank Rd, Clifton Park, is fully rented! In addition to being our headquarters, the three rental suites are all occupied by small business owners. We also completed the last big items on our building renovation punch list. Thank you to the Building Renovation Committee for the time and dedication they’ve given to realizing the immense potential of this investment.
u Did you know you can rent our Grand Hall for work or private functions? The space is well-suited for trainings and meetings or even bridal or baby showers!
• Workforce Development - Each spring, the NYSBA Research & Education Foundation (REF), offers the William Morehouse Scholarship for students pursuing a two-or-four-year degree in a residential construction-related field. CRBRA was proud to have two deserving candidates apply this year and present their scholarships at the Parade of Homes Awards Night in June. Both students are studying for a future career in the HVAC field. We were also proud to support the Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition (NCTWC) as a Gold sponsor, and co-host their launch event in April with the Saratoga Builders Association.
Looking ahead to 2025, we have much to be excited about under the leadership of incoming President Christine Raible. If you attend the Installation Dinner on January 23, 2025, you’ll get to hear her speak about her top priorities: membership, and specifically member participation. Christine’s vision is centered on fostering a stronger, more engaged community within our association, ensuring that every member feels valued and supported. This is a membership organization, and it requires members and your involvement to survive and thrive — your active participation is what drives our collective success forward. As you plan your 2025 calendar, we hope you’ll carve out some time for CRBRA. It will be worth your while! Visit the Event Calendar at CRBRA.com throughout the year for event and meeting details.
Cheers to 2025! May it bring renewed energy, fresh opportunities and meaningful relationships!
2024 Members of the Year
Gregg
Nick Otterbeck, Otterbeck Builders Remodeler of the Year Congratulations!
Biché, Quality Design & Remodel Builder of the Year
Christine Raible, Best Tile Associate of the
Year
Celebrating the 22nd annual Capital Region Parade of Homes
For 22 years, the Capital Region Parade of Homes has been a cornerstone event for CRBRA and the community. Held the first two weekends in June, the event offers builders the opportunity to showcase their new construction homes, and consumers the chance to explore a variety of home types, styles and design finishes, across several price points.
The 2024 Capital Region Parade of Homes included seven homes from six area builders, including: Abele Homes, American Timber Works, Baker Contracting, Bella Home Builders, Belmonte Builders (two homes), and Kodiak Construction.
This year’s Parade offered an excellent mix of home types and styles, with three model homes, two spec homes, and two custom homes. The home locations nicely spanned the Capital Region ranging from Voorheesville to Greenfield Center and West Glenville to Halfmoon.With the nice weather both weekends, thousands of Parade-goers were able to fully experience the beauty of our area in late spring!
MODEL HOMES
Veteran Parade of Homes participants’ Belmonte Builders and Abele Homes entered their model homes into this year’s Parade. Belmonte Builders showcased their versatility with two distinct model homes, each highlighting different lifestyle preferences. The first, the “Westerly” ranch model, is located in the Forest Grove community in Saratoga and appeals to buyers seeking one-floor living with elegant finishes and a modern layout. The second, the “Stanton” model, is a more traditional two-story home with primary bedroom upstairs situated in the Juniper Ridge community in Halfmoon.
The Juniper Ridge community is unique in that it is being developed by Abele Homes and Belmonte Builders. Situated across the street from each other, Abele Homes featured their “Amira” ranch-style model showcasing one-floor living with a partially finished basement, beautifully staged as a music room. Consumers very much enjoyed being able to assess the different styles and builder approaches within a single stop!
SPEC HOMES
Spec homes, built without a specific buyer in mind, are designed to appeal to a wide range of potential homeowners. This year’s Parade featured two spec homes, both from first-time Parade participants: American Timber Works and Kodiak Construction. These builders showcased their craftsmanship masterfully and made visitors feel like they could move in tomorrow.
The spec home from American Timber Works is the first in their new Owl Creek Estates community, which boasts spacious lots, lush landscaping, and top-notch amenities. Kodiak Construction’s home in their Goose Hollow Ridge community is perfectly situated in nature surrounded by trees and privacy, while only a few miles from Broadway in Saratoga.
CUSTOM HOMES
One of the most anticipated aspects of the Parade of Homes is the chance to tour custom-built homes, which are rarely open to the public. Built to reflect the homeowners’ vision, Baker Contracting’s home featured an expansive layout, modern, high-end finishes, and outdoor living spaces that perfectly captured the scenic beauty of its surroundings.
AND THE WINNERS ARE...
EXECUTIVE HOMES
Best Architecture
Bella Home Builders worked closely with the homeowner to design their dream home perfect for entertainingboth indoors and out.
CHARITABLE PARTNER
CRBRA was honored to once again work with the Center for Disability Services (CFDS) as our charitable partner for the Parade of Homes. Their partnership is invaluable to us as their staff and volunteers give their time both weekends to greet attendees and scan tickets at the doors of each home. We’re proud to have been able to donate the $10,000 in ticket sales from the event to CFDS for their Mobility Opportunities Via Experience (MOVE) program. Through the program, individuals of all ages and cognitive levels acquire motor skills for sitting, standing, walking, and transitioning utilizing equipment such as adaptive chairs, standers, and gait trainers.
AWARDS NIGHT
In the week leading up to the first Parade weekend, the builders open their homes to CRBRA’s industry experts for judging. Categorized by price point, the homes are judged for their architecture, craftsmanship, kitchen design, interior design and more. Then, during the Parade weekends, visitors are asked to cast their vote for People’s Choice.
After all the hard work that goes into having a house in the Parade of Homes, a celebration is more than warranted. On Wednesday, June 19, more than 155 members and guests attended the Awards Celebration to congratulate the award winners, but more importantly to celebrate another resoundingly successful Capital Region Parade of Homes!
Thank you to the builders, sponsors, committee members, and everyone involved. We couldn’t be more proud and can’t wait to see what 2025 will bring.
Best Interior Design
Best Kitchen Design
Best Outdoor Living
Best Primary Suite
Best Overall
Best Craftsmanship
People’s Choice
LUXURY HOMES
LEXUS HOME
Best Primary Suite
People’s Choice
Best Architecture
Best Kitchen Design
Best Outdoor Living
Best Craftsmanship
Best Interior Design
Best Overall
Best Architecture
Best Craftsmanship
Best Interior Design
Best Kitchen Design
Best Outdoor Living
Best Primary Suite
Best Overall
People’s Choice
On November 14, 2024, CRBRA hosted the annual Best in Building Awards at The Edison Downtown in Schenectady, New York. Now in its 12th year, the event recognizes CRBRA members for their excellence and innovation across multiple facets of residential construction. From building to remodeling and design to marketing and outdoor living, there are nearly 70 awards available across seven categories based on who our members are and what they do. With each year, the competition grows stronger and the awards more and more coveted.
This year’s Best in Building Awards was record-setting. The number of entries submitted far exceeded the previous record set in 2023. With a record number of entries submitted, additional out-of-market judges had to be recruited, the venue’s capacity was pushed to the absolute limit, and a record number of awards were distributed. Despite the number of awards to deliver, the presentation did not exceed the one-hour mark, thanks to the extremely talented, fast-talking Master of Ceremonies, Lydia Kulbida, News Anchor at WTEN.
Over the next few pages, we’re recognizing all the winners of the 2024 Best in Building Awards. Congratulations! Here’s to breaking more records in 2025!
2024 Best in Building Awards Committee (From left: Antonio Chabrier, Quality Design & Remodel; Chairperson Christine Raible, Best Tile; Jerry Saliba, C&J Custom Builders; Kristen Egelston, CRBRA staff; Kristen Raffensperger, American Timber Works; Brooke Weinert, Schrader & Company; Michelle Mangini, California Closets; and Karen Redick, Redbud Development.)
Lydia Kulbida, Master of Ceremonies News Anchor, WTEN News10
Silver
Welcome Cocktail
CRBRA MEMBER DIRECTORY
as of December 24, 2024
BUILDER MEMBERS (A-M)
Abele Homes
Moe Abele 1712 Route 9, Suite 103
Clifton Park, NY 12065 518.491.1173 moe@abelebuilders.com abelehomes.com
Amedore Homes
George Amedore 1900 Western Ave Albany, NY 12203 518.456.1010 georgejr@amedorehomes.com amedorehomes.com
American Timber Works
Scott Raffensperger
1932 Berne Altamont Rd Altamont, NY 12009 518.631.4499 sraffensperger@atwhomes.com atwhomes.com
Barbera Homes and Development
Frank Barbera 14 Wade Rd Latham, NY 12110 518.690.0777 fbarbera@barberahomes.com barberahomes.com
Bella Home Builders
Dave DePaulo 228 Church St Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518.312.8874 dave@bellahomebuildersinc.com bellahomebuildersinc.com
Belmonte Builders
Lindsey Belmonte 1743 Route 9 Clifton Park, NY 12065 518.371.1000 lindsey@belmontebuilders.com belmontebuilders.com
292 Washington Ave, Suite 111D Albany, NY 12203 518.347.2537
info@camelotassociates.com camelotassociates.com
Cartier Construction Co.
Cohen Cartier 116 West Ave, Suite 100 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518.859.9934 cohen@cartierconstructionco.com cartierconstructioncon.com
Caruso Home Builders
Anthony Caruso Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518.478.8596 anthony@carusobuildersny.com carusohomebuilders.com
Cavagnaro Construction Co.
Larry Cavagnaro P.O. Box 776 Valatie, NY 12184 518.784.3008 larrycav@gmail.com cavagnaroconstruction.com
Cerrone Builders
Anthony Cerrone 1589 Route 9 South Glens Falls, NY 12828 518.480.7750 cerroneconstruction@yahoo.com cerronebuilders.com
CGM Construction Inc.
Chris Marchand 2 Brookwood Rd Waterford, NY 12188 518.235.0377 info@cgmconstructioninc.com cgmconstructioninc.com
Charlew Builders
Corey Lewandowski 2 Computer Dr West Albany, NY 12205 518.355.9093 clewandowski@charlew.com charlew.com
Cillis Builders
Ted Cillis 88 Newton St Albany, NY 12205 518.459.4921 ted@cillisbuildersinc.com Cillisbuildersinc.com
Constanza Contracting
Jim Constanza 470 North Greenbush Rd Rensselaer, NY 12144 518.283.9318 constanzacontracting@gmail.com constanzacontractinginc.com
DeGraff-Bloom Custom Builders
Mark Johnson P.O. Box 127 2218 State Route 9 Round Lake, NY 12151 518.289.5771 markjohnson@degraffbloom.com degraffbloom.com
Voorheesville, NY 12186 518.765.0151 info@jjcillisbuilders.com jjcillisbuilders.com
Del Zotto & Son Builders
Dave DelZotto 5 Via Del Zotto Dr Scotia, NY 12302 518.399.4963 david@delzottobuilders.com delzottobuilders.com
Dreamyard Structures
Lisa Pajak PO Box 1193 Clifton Park, NY 12065 518.288.6991 lisa@dreamyardstructures.com dreamyardstructures.com
Erik Kohler Homes
Erik Kohler 900 Rte 146 Clifton Park, NY 12065 518.376.4872 ekohler@kohlerbuilders.com
EW Birch Builders
Ed Brzozowski P.O. Box 444 Latham, NY 12110 518.283.6469 info@ewbirchbuilders.com ewbirchbuilders.com
Galarneau Builders
Lou Galarneau 526 Maple Ave Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518.587.8191 info@galarneaubuilders.com galarneaubuilders.com
Gallivan Corporation
Carl Trinkle 2702 6th Ave Troy, NY 12180 518.595.4013 ctrinkle@gallivancompanies.com gallivancompanies.com
Heritage Custom Builders
Geoffrey Brooks P.O. Box 1123 Clifton Park, NY 12065 518.348.0931 brooksheritage@yahoo.com heritagecb.com
Hoogkamp Home Builders
Pat Hoogkamp 99 Dumbarton Dr Delmar, NY 12054 518.857.4929 sphoogkamp@gmail.com hoogkamphomebuilders.com
Keystone Homes Jeffrey Ferraro 1243 Kings Rd Schenectady, NY 12303 518.688.1126 jeffrey@keystonehomes.house
Khan Construction & Development Faraz Khan 22 Clifton Country Rd, Suite 79 Clifton Park, NY 12065 518.463.0800 faraz.khan@khandevelopment.com khandevelopment.com
Kodiak Construction
Jesse Boucher PO Box 657 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518.587.4847 jesse@kodiakofsaratoga.com kodiakofsaratoga.com
Laguna Homes Andre Schmid 14 Wade Rd Latham, NY 12110 518.577.2005 as6124@aol.com lagunahomesinc.net
LiveWell Group
Morgan Ruthman 1 Juniper Dr Delmar, NY 12054 518.475.9088 mruthman@livewellgroup.com livewellgroup.com
M. A. Schafer Construction
Mark Schafer 4928 Western Turnpike Altamont, NY 12009 518.357.0221 maschaferhomes@nycap.rr.com
Manchester Homes
Wade Coton PO Box 618 Altamont, NY 12009 518.378.2610 wcoton@gmail.com
Marini Homes
Brandon Marini 624 New Loudon Rd Latham, NY 12110 518.869.1200 bwmarini@marini.com marini.com
Jeannine Dubiac 3 Hemphill Place, Suite 113 Malta, NY 12020 518.363.0600 jdubiac@priorityonepayroll.com priorityonepayroll.com
ProSource Wholesale Christopher Taylor 110 Railroad Ave Albany, NY 12205 518.437.0000 ctaylor@floormail.net prosourcewholesale.com/showrooms/ ny-prosource-of-albany Residential Warranty Company
Jane Djakovich 5400 Derry St Harrisburg, PA 17111 717.561.4480 info@rwcwarranty.com rwcwarranty.com
Sandler Albany
Matt Scarchilli Cohoes, NY 12047 518.366.0004 matt.scarchilli@sandler.com winningprocess.sandler.com
Sash & Frame
Jeff Betts
10 Starbuck Dr, Suite 203 Green Island, NY 12183 518.333.0567 jeff@sashandframe.com sashandframe.com
Schluter Systems
Zac Dukat
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
888.472.4588 x4632
zdukat@schluter.com schluter.com
SD Atelier Architecture
Susan Davis 511 Broadway, 2nd Floor Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
518.587.3385
info@sdatelier.com sdatelierarchitecturellc.com
Security Plumbing & Heating Supply
Kim Willey 475 Central Ave Albany, NY 12206 518.489.2554 krwilley@winsupplyinc.com sphsalbany.com
Siewert Equipment
Will Stradling 10 Corporate Circle Albany, NY 12203 518.272.3431 wstradling@siewertequipment.com siewertequipment.com
SMPR Title Agency
Melissa Clement 50 Chapel St Albany, NY 12207 518.434.0127 mclement@smprtitle.com smprtitle.com
Snyder’s Drywall
Scott Snyder 1555 Route 9 Ft. Edward, NY 12828 518.761.0979